Jake Hanna: The Rhythm and Wit of a Swinging Jazz Drummer

This semi biographical, semi anecdotal book about the great jazz drummer Jake Hanna has been lovingly written and compiled by Jake`s niece Maria Judge. Not only was Jake`s drumming the heart of any band with which he played, but his wit, humor and wonderfully large personality also had something to do with that gorgeous drive and swing that he was noted for from his days in Woody Herman`s "Swinging New Herd", through his tenure on the Merv Griffin TV show, the days as virtually the house drummer with Concord records and the years of global travel with the jazz greats , including vocalists Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby. Many well known drummers and performers have contributed their memories to this book and Maria is to be congratulated on a fantastic effort. All drummers should own a copy of this book, in fact order several copies and distribute them around your friends, or at least get one for your drum teacher!

Great anecdotes from those who knew him best. Worked with all the best, influenced so many, blessed the musical world with talent, while cracking them all up!

Jake was a a terrific drummer and one of the quickest wits I've ever been around. I put on a national jazz event for 11 years and whenever Jake played it was a real treat. He was also generous by donating his time to support our Jazz in the Schools program's efforts to bring this classic music to the all students from K-12 whether they played music or not.

Boring, absolutely boring , Jake Hanna was a really fine drummer but this book does nothing to make you aware of his talent and experience, good or bad, with other musicians. If you are smoking while reading this book , don't !!! because this book will put you to sleep or into a deep coma. Save your money, wish I had. Buy a few CDs where Jake is drumming.

I was a young drummer, new to Las Vegas, playing with my first lounge act and Jake was playing with the Harry James band. He was not only supportive but talked drums with me by the hour. He later recommended me for the drum chair with the Air Force “Airmen of Note” big band (which did not happen). Our friendship spanned over four decades and I experienced firsthand his lively wit, storytelling, humanity and playing. We last hung out at a jazz weekend here in Denver a few years before he died. One of the funniest things he ever said to me occurred after he heard me take a not so well constructed drum solo in the Sahara Hotel lounge at Lake Tahoe. After the set I came down to say hello and waited for his assessment. He said, “Well Ron, I’ll say this for your drum solo—you hit everything at least twice.” How could I not laugh at and appreciate his witty, honest, yet tactful feedback. I loved Jake and miss his joyful energy. I just read this book and it is a wonderful tribute to Jake’s spirit and world view. Note: to the reviewer who said it was boring, you missed the book’s point. It obviously is not meant to be a serious analysis of his playing—so, lighten up.

Great insight and wonderful tales about a true American original in the world of Jazz. Funny and poignant stories with some hilarious recollections by friends and family. A good read from start to finish. BUTCH MILES

Absolutely wonderful...hate to finish it! What a life! It captures Jake's personality as well as his swinging style ...makes me wish I could add my story of meeting him and chatting with him at the Toronto Jazz festival a few years back. What a story teller!

Excellent book, enjoyable even for a non-jazz aficionado. It's entertaining, clever, and well written. For those closely involved in jazz, this is a true history of its greatest days.